US 8,581,971 B2 · Assignee: Olympus Corporation · Inventors: Miyamoto; Shinichi et al.
Sheet 1 of 46 from the published document. All sheets in the USPTO PDF
The endoscope system of the present invention includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device that picks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unit that converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device into images and then displays these images; a first mounting portion that is provided in an operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted; and a second mounting portion that is provided in the operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted in a different position from that of the first mounting portion.
In endoscope systems that are widely used in medical and industrial fields, it is common for a fixed television monitor to be left permanently connected via a cable to an eyepiece portion, and for an image obtained by the endoscope to be formed on a light receiving portion of an image pickup element such as a CCD. This formed image is then converted into a signal and the image in the form of a signal is supplied via a cable to a television monitor in a separate location. The signal is then reconverted into an image and displayed on the screen of this television monitor. Endoscope systems have also been proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. H10-127575, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. H11-9548, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. 2000-116599, and Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. 2000-171729
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What the patent claimed, word for word. All of it is now free to use.
The present invention relates to an endoscope system and, in particular, to a portable endoscope system that incorporates a small image display device.
In endoscope systems that are widely used in medical and industrial fields, it is common for a fixed television monitor to be left permanently connected via a cable to an eyepiece portion, and for an image obtained by the endoscope to be formed on a light receiving portion of an image pickup element such as a CCD. This formed image is then converted into a signal and the image in the form of a signal is supplied via a cable to a television monitor in a separate location. The signal is then reconverted into an image and displayed on the screen of this television monitor.
Endoscope systems have also been proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. H10-127575, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. H11-9548, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. 2000-116599, and Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, No. 2000-171729) in which a light source apparatus, an image display unit such as a miniature liquid crystal monitor, and a battery that drives the light source, image pickup elements, and the liquid crystal monitor are incorporated in an endoscope.
The endoscope system according to a first aspect of the present invention, includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device that picks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unit that converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device into images and then displays these images; a first mounting portion that is provided in an operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted; and a second mounting portion that is provided in the operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted in a different position from that of the first mounting portion.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that there are provided: a first output terminal that is provided on the first mounting portion and that outputs image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device; a second output terminal that is provided on the second mounting portion and that outputs image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device; and an input terminal that is provided on the image display unit and, when the image display unit is mounted at the first mounting portion, is connected to the first output terminal and inputs the image pickup signals into the image display unit, and, when the image display unit is mounted at the second mounting portion, is connected to the second output terminal and inputs the image pickup signals into the image display unit.
The endoscope system according to a second aspect of the present invention, includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device that picks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unit that converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device into images and then displays these images; and a supporting portion that is provided on the operating section of the endoscope and that supports the image display unit such that it can be opened up from and shut against the operating section.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that the supporting portion is provided with: a first rotation shaft that extends in a direction that intersects a side surface of the operating section and that forms a center of rotation when the image display unit is rotated; and a second rotation shaft that extends in another direction that is perpendicular to the first rotation shaft and that forms a center of rotation when the image display unit is rotated in another direction.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that the supporting portion supports the image display unit such that it can be housed within a recessed portion that is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the operating section.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are each located away from the central axis of the image display unit.
The endoscope system according to a third aspect of the present invention, includes: an endoscope that is provided with an image pickup device that picks up an image of a test object and a gripping portion that is formed in a longitudinal direction of the endoscope; and an image display unit that is formed integrally with the endoscope and that converts pictures of the test object that have been obtained by the image pickup device into images and then displays these images, wherein the image display unit is mounted so as to protrude from a side portion of the endoscope such that, when the gripping portion is gripped by a hand whose thumb is positioned uppermost, the image display unit is positioned above the fingers of the hand that is gripping the gripping portion excluding the thumb.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that there is provided a light source apparatus that is formed integrally with the endoscope and that protrudes in a symmetrically opposite direction from the image display unit with a longitudinal axis of the endoscope sandwiched in between.
The endoscope system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, includes: an endoscope that is provided with an image pickup device that picks up an image of a test object and an operating section that operates the endoscope; a finger piece portion that is provided so as to intersect an axis n the longitudinal direction of the operating section; and an image display unit that is formed integrally with the finger piece portion and that converts pictures of the test object that have been obtained by the image pickup device into images and then displays these images.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it is preferable if a rotatable operating lever is provided in the operating section, and the image display unit is provided at substantially the same position as a rotation shaft of this operating lever.
The endoscope system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, includes: an insertion portion that can be inserted inside a body cavity of a test object; an observation image acquisition portion that acquires an observation image of the interior of the body cavity from a distal end side of the insertion portion; an operating section that is connected to a base end portion of the insertion portion; an observation portion that is provided in the operating section and that makes it possible to observe the observation images that have been acquired by the observation image acquisition portion; and three setting down portions that are arranged in a triangle extending across at least one of the operating section and the observation portion.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that at least one of the setting down portions is formed by a connector component that is used for connecting an external cable and is provided so as to protrude from the observation portion or the operating section.
The endoscope system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, includes: an insertion portion that can be inserted inside a body cavity of a test object; an observation image acquisition portion that acquires an observation image of the interior of the body cavity from a distal end side of the insertion portion; an image pickup device that picks up the observation images; an image display unit that includes a display screen that displays observation images based on image pickup signals from the image pickup device; an operating section that is provided with a gripping portion and that is connected to a base end portion of the insertion portion; and a supporting portion that is provided in the operating section and rotatably supports the image display unit, wherein the display screen can be rotated around an axis that intersects a longitudinal direction of the gripping portion.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that the operating section is provided with an operating component that controls movements of the insertion portion, and, in the gripping portion, the operating component can be operated by an operator when the operator is gripping the gripping portion, and, in the image display unit, when the operator is gripping the gripping portion the display screen can be rotated so as to face towards the operator.
In the endoscope system of the present invention, it may be arranged such that the supporting portion is provided with: a first rotation supporting portion that is provided on the operating section; a second rotation supporting portion that is provided on the image display unit; and an arm component that is rotatably linked to both the first rotation supporting portion and the second rotation supporting portion.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the endoscope system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking from a different direction from that in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the endoscope system of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing with the internal structure of the endoscope system of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of an endoscope system to which the present invention can be applied in addition to the endoscope system of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view looking from a different direction from that in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the endoscope system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first linking portion that is provided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first linking portion that is provided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an image display unit that is provided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the image display unit that is provided in the endoscope system of the second embodiment in an open state.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing an image display unit that is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a second rotation shaft that is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first rotation shaft that is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment as well as portions adjacent thereto.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a first rotation shaft that is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment as well as portions adjacent thereto.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the image display unit that is provided in the endoscope system of the third embodiment in an open state.
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of an endoscope system to which the present invention can be applied in addition to the endoscope system of the third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a schematic structural view showing the internal structure of the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a frontal view showing an enlargement of a portion of the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a functional block view of the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a view showing positional relationships between respective portions of the endoscope system when a gripping portion is gripped by a left hand.
FIG. 25 is a view showing a modification of the endoscope system of the fourth embodiment and is a functional block view of this endoscope system.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view looking from a different direction from that in FIG. 7 of the endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a schematic structural view showing the internal structure of the endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a functional block view of the endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a flow chart for illustrating control for reducing power consumption that is implemented in the endoscope system of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a view showing positional relationships between respective portions of the endoscope system when a gripping portion is gripped by a left hand.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing an endoscope system of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view looking from a different direction from that in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 34 is a typical view to schematically illustrate the internal structure of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 35 is a frontal view to illustrate the structure of an observation section of the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 36 is a plan view to illustrate a method of placing the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment on a surface.
FIG. 37 is a plan view to illustrate a method of placing the endoscope system of the sixth embodiment on a surface.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view to illustrate an endoscope system of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a perspective view looking from a different direction from that in FIG. 1 of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 40 is a typical view to schematically illustrate the internal structure of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 41 is a view from the left side showing a supporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 42 is a plan view showing the supporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 43 is a frontal view showing the supporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view showing a state when the supporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment is attached to an operating portion.
FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing state when the supporting portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment is attached to the operating portion.
FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate in typical view a B portion of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment that is shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 47 is a plan view of an area adjacent to a display unit to illustrate the structure of a modification of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 48 is a frontal view of an area adjacent to a display unit to illustrate the structure of the modification of the endoscope system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 49 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface to illustrate an operation of the above described modification.
FIG. 50 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface to illustrate an operation of the above described modification.
FIG. 51 is an operating diagram showing a left side surface to illustrate an operation of the above described modification.
FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate a first modification of an arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
FIG. 53 is a frontal view to illustrate the first modification of the arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C to illustrate the first modification of the arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate a second modification of the arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
FIG. 56 is a frontal view to illustrate the second modification of the arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D to illustrate the first modification of the arm component that is provided in the above described modification.
(First Embodiment)
The first embodiment of the endoscope system of the present invention will now be described using FIG. 1 through FIG. 5.
As is shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the principal component elements of the endoscope system of the present embodiment are an endoscope 1, a light source apparatus 2 that generates illumination light for illuminating an object, and an image display unit 3 that creates an image from the image of the object obtained by the endoscope 1 and displays this created image.
The endoscope 1 is provided with an insertion section 11 whose distal end is inserted into an observation position, and an operating section 12 that is used to bend the distal end of the insertion section 11. In addition, the endoscope 1 is also provided with an image pickup element (i.e., image pickup device) 4 such as a CCD or the like that receives light from an image (i.e., from light) that is guided by an image guide 11b (described below), and a condenser lens 4a that forms an image on the light receiving portion of the image pickup device 4. The insertion section 11 is formed having a flexible elongated configuration and is connected to one end of the operating section 12. The insertion section 11 is provided with a hard distal end portion 16 that is located at a distal end thereof, a bending portion 17 that continues from the distal end portion 16, and a flexible portion 18 that continues from the bending portion 17 and is connected to the operating section 12. The distal end portion 16 is provided with an objective lens 19 that forms an image from reflected light that is reflected from the object which has been illuminated by the illumination light, and an illumination window 16a through which the illumination light is irradiated. A light guide 11a that guides illumination light from the light source apparatus 2 to the distal end portion 16, and an image guide 11b that guides images formed on the objective lens 19 to the image pickup element 4 are incorporated in the bending portion 17 and flexible portion 18. Note that, in some cases, the image pickup element 4 may be provided in the distal end portion 16 of the insertion portion 11.
The operating section 12 is provided with a gripping portion 10 that an operator uses to grip the endoscope 1, and a bending operation lever 20 that is used to bend the bending portion 17 in a desired direction via two wires 11c that pass through the insertion portion 11. The gripping portion 10 is formed in a rod shape that allows it to be gripped by wrapping the thumb and the other fingers around it. The gripping portion 10 is provided with a suction cap 13 that is used for suctioning liquids such as body fluids and the like, a forceps insertion aperture 14 that is used for inserting treatment tools such as forceps and the like, and an aeration mouthpiece 15 that is used for feeding air into the interior of the endoscope 1 during inspections to check for leakages in the endoscope 1. A suction apparatus is connected by a tube (not shown) to the suction cap 13 and body fluids and the like can be suctioned through the suction cap 13 by operating the suction apparatus. An air supply apparatus is connected by a tube (not shown) to the aeration mouthpiece 15 and, by operating the air supply apparatus, air can be supplied from the aeration mouthpiece 15 to the endoscope 1 so that a leakage inspection of the interior of the endoscope 1 can be performed.
First and second mounting portions 21 and 22 on which the image display unit 3 is mounted are provided in the operating section 12. The first mounting portion 21 is positioned at the other end of the operating section 12, while the second mounting portion 22 is positioned on a side surface of the operating section 12. The operating section 12 is also provided with a startup switch 23 that starts up the endoscope system, and an image recording switch 25b that causes images that are displayed on the image display unit 3 to be recorded on an image recording device 25 (described below).
A first output terminal 21A is provided on the first mounting portion 21. The first output terminal 21A is connected to either an input terminal 35A or an input terminal 36A that are provided on mounting portions 35 and 36 of the image display unit 3, and supplies image signals and power to the image display unit 3. A second output terminal 22A is provided on the second mounting portion 22. The second output terminal 22A is also connected to either the input terminal 35A or the input terminal 36A that are provided on the mounting portions 35 and 36 of the image display unit 3, and supplies image signals and power to the image display unit 3.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 are provided in two different locations on the operating section 12, however, the mounting portions are not limited to being provided in two locations and may be provided in three or more locations.
Inside the operating section 12 are provided the image recording device 25 that records images of an object, an image pickup element control circuit 26 that converts images of an object that have been picked up by the image pickup element 4 into signals and then outputs these, and a display element control circuit 27 that converts signals output from the image pickup element control circuit 26 into images and then displays these on a display element 37 of the image display unit 3. In addition, a replaceable battery 5 that supplies power respectively to the light source apparatus 2, the image pickup element 4, and the image display unit 3 is fitted inside the operating section 12. The battery 5 is a secondary battery that can be used by being repeatedly recharged. Inside the image recording device 25 a memory card, for example, is employed as a recording medium. This recording medium is fitted inside the endoscope 1 such that it can be replaced.
The bending operation lever 20 is provided adjacent to the gripping portion 10 such that it can be operated by the fingers of the hand gripping the gripping section 10. The bending operation lever 20 is formed in an L shape that is made up of a distal end portion 20a that is operated by the thick part of the thumb holding the gripping portion 10, and a base end portion 20b that is connected to one end of the distal end portion 20a, and is axially supported by the base end portion 20b on a shaft 12a, which is provided on the operating section 12, such that it can swing vertically. In the bending operation lever 20, the bending portion 17 can be made to bend freely by pushing or pulling the distal end portion 20a thereof using the thumb such that tensile force is applied to one of the wires 11c while thrust force is applied to the other of the wires 11c.
The light source apparatus 2 is provided with a light source lamp 31, a finger switch 32 that an operator uses to turn on or turn off the light source lamp 31 as desired, and a condenser lens 33 that condenses illumination light generated by the light source lamp 31. A connector 2a to which a power cable 6 (described below) can be removably connected is also provided in the light source apparatus 2. The light source lamp 31, the finger switch 32, and the connector 2a are connected in series by a power supply line 2b that is built into the power supply apparatus 2.
Illumination light that is generated by the light source lamp 31 is condensed by the condenser lens 33, guided by the light guide 11a, and is then emitted through the illumination window 16a so as to illuminate the interior of a body cavity.
The image display unit 3 is provided with a display element 37 such as an LCD that converts observed pictures of an object into images and then displays these. The two mounting portions 35 and 36 that can removably engage with the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion 22 that are provided in the operating section 12 are provided in the image display unit 3.
The input terminal 35A is provided in the mounting portion 35. When the mounting portion 35 is engaged with either the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion 22 that are provided in the operating section 12, the input terminal 35A is connected to either the first output terminal 21A or the second output terminal 22A so that power that is supplied from the battery 5 is input to the display element 37 and image signals that are supplied from the display element control circuit 27 are input into the display element 37.
The input terminal 36A is provided in the mounting portion 36. When the mounting portion 36 is engaged with either the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion 22 that are provided in the operating section 12, the input terminal 36A is connected to either the first output terminal 21A or the second output terminal 22A so that power that is supplied from the battery 5 is input to the display element 37 and image signals that are supplied from the display element control circuit 27 are input into the display element 37.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the mounting portions 35 and 36 are provided in two locations on the image display unit 3, however, the mounting portions of the image display unit are not limited to being provided in two locations and may be provided in one location or in three or more locations.
The light source apparatus 2 is connected by the power supply cable 6 that encloses a power supply line 31a (described below). A base end of the power supply cable 6 is fixed to the endoscope 1 side, while a distal end thereof is provided with a connector 6a. The connector 6a is removably connected to the connector 2 a of the power supply apparatus 2.
A power supply line 4b that supplies power to the image pickup element 4 is provided between the image pickup element 4 and the battery 5, while the power supply line 31a that supplies power to the light source lamp 31 is provided between the light source apparatus 2 and the battery 5, and a power supply line 25a is provided between the image recording device 25 and the battery 5. In the same way, a power supply line 21b that supplies power to the display element 37 when either one of the input terminals 35A or 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to the first output terminal 21A is provided between the first output terminal 21 and the battery 5, and a power supply line 22b that supplies power to the display element 37 when either one of the input terminals 35A or 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to the second output terminal 22A is provided between the second output terminal 22A and the battery 5. Moreover, a power supply line 26a that supplies power to the image pickup element control circuit 26 is provided between the image pickup element control circuit 26 and the battery 5, while a power supply line 27a that supplies power to the display element control circuit 27 is provided between the display element control circuit 27 and the battery 5.
A signal line S1 that transmits image signals acquired by the image pickup element 4 to the image pickup element control circuit 26 is provided between the image pickup element 4 and the image pickup element control circuit 26, while a signal line S2 that transmits image signals that have been input into the image pickup element control circuit 26 to the display element control circuit 27 is provided between the image pickup element control circuit 26 and the display element control circuit 27. In addition, a signal line S3 that inputs image signals into the display element 37 when either one of the input terminals 35A and 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to the first output terminal 21A is provided between the display element control circuit 27 and the first output terminal 21, while a signal line S4 that inputs image signals into the display element 37 when either one of the input terminals 35A and 36A of the image display unit 3 is connected to the second output terminal 22A is provided between the display element control circuit 27 and the second output terminal 22A. Furthermore, a signal line S5 that transmits image signals that have been input into the image pickup element control circuit 26 to the image recording device 25 is provided between the image recording device 25 and the image pickup element control circuit 26.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the first mounting portion 21 is engaged with the mounting portion 35 of the image display unit 3, however, as is shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible for the second mounting portion 22 to be engaged with the mounting portion 36. It is also possible to engage the first mounting portion 21 with the mounting portion 36, and to engage the second mounting portion 22 with the mounting portion 35. Namely, the image display unit 3 can be set in any position desired by the operator.
In an endoscope system having the above described structure, the image display unit 3 can be removably fitted to the first mounting portion 21 that is provided on a side surface of the operating section 12 or to the second mounting portion 22 that is provided on a top surface of the operating section 12. When an operator alters the way they hold the gripping portion 10 in order to suit the operation or examination being performed, the operator selects whichever of the first mounting portion 21 or the second mounting portion 22 is in a location that makes it easier to view the screen of the image display unit 3, and mounts the image display unit 3 in that mounting portion. As a result, irrespective of the way in which the operator is gripping the endoscope 1, it is always possible to obtain an excellent view of the image of the object that is displayed on the image display unit 3.
Moreover, because the mounting portion 35 is provided with the input terminal 35A, and the mounting portion 36 is provided with the input terminal 36A, and because the first mounting portion 21 is provided with the first output terminal 21A, and the second mounting portion 22 is provided with the second output terminal 22A, if either of the mounting portions 35 and 36 is engaged with either of the first and second mounting portions 21 and 22, then the output terminals and input terminals with which each is provided are connected and power and image signals are supplied to the image display unit 3. Accordingly, the image display unit can be easily engaged or disengaged without the endoscope 1 and image display unit having to be connected by a cable.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment and various modifications may be made thereto insofar as they do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
For example, it is also possible to provide a separate cable to connect the endoscope 1 and image display unit 3 without providing the output terminals and input terminals in the respective mounting portions, and to supply power and image signals via this cable.
Moreover, the endoscope system of the present embodiment has a structure in which the image recording device 25, the image pickup element control circuit 26, and the display element control circuit 27 are provided in the operating section 12, however, it is also possible for the endoscope system to have a structure in which the image recording device 25, the image pickup element control circuit 26, and the display element control circuit 27 are provided in the image display unit 3.
Furthermore, the endoscope system of the present embodiment has a structure in which the endoscope 1 and the power supply apparatus 2 are connected by the power supply cable 6, however, as is shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible for the endoscope system to have a structure in which, for example, the endoscope 1 and the power supply apparatus 2 are formed integrally
(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference made to FIG. 6 through FIG. 12. Note that component elements that have previously been described in the above embodiment are given the same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.
As is shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 10, the principal component elements of the endoscope system of the present embodiment are the endoscope 1, the light source apparatus 2, and the image display unit 3.
A recessed portion 40 in which the image display unit 3 can be housed is formed in the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1, and a first linking portion (i.e., supporting portion) 41 that supports the image display unit 3 is also provided in the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1. As is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first linking portion 41 is provided with a socket 41A that is a substantially ball-shaped hole and is a recessed portion that is formed adjacent to a recessed portion 21. A cable extraction hole 41B that enables a cable 7 (described below) to be extracted to the outside of the endoscope 1 is formed in the first linking portion 41. A filling component 24 is also provided in the space created between the cable extraction hole 41B and the cable 7. This filling component 24 is a hollow shaft-shaped component that has a flange portion 24A formed at one end thereof, and fits together with the housing of the endoscope 1.
The image display unit 3 is substantially shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped and is positioned so as to face an outer circumferential surface of the operating section 12 as a result of being engaged with the first linking portion 41, and is supported such that it is able to rotate relative to the endoscope 1. As is shown in FIG. 11, this image display unit 3 is provided with a second linking portion (i.e., supporting portion) 42 that is formed at one end thereof and that enables the image display unit 3 to be supported on the endoscope 1 when it links with the first linking portion 41, and with a pair of handhold portions 43 that protrude from two side surfaces of the image display unit 3, and an image display unit body 44 that has a display element 37 such as an LCD that converts observed pictures of an object into images and then displays these.
The second linking portion 42 is a shaft-shaped member and a ball-shaped stud 42A that is engaged in the socket 41A is provided at a distal end thereof. When this stud 42A is engaged with the socket 41A, what is known as a ball joint connection is formed between the image display unit 3 and the endoscope 1. As a result, the image display unit 3 is able to swing freely relative to the endoscope 1. In addition, a central axis 42B of the second linking portion 42 is provided at a position away from a central axis 42C of the image display unit 3. As a result, the screen of the image display unit 3 can avoid being housed in the recessed portion 40 when it is facing the outside of the endoscope 1.
The handhold portions 43 are provided such that they can be operated by the thumb and middle finger of the gripping hand as it grips the gripping portions provided on the operating section 12. The angle of the image display unit 3 relative to the endoscope 1 can be adjusted using the thumb and thick part of the middle finger of the hand holding the gripping portion 10.
As is shown n FIG. 12, the image display unit 3 can be opened up from and shut inside the outer side surface of the operating section 12 as a result of the second linking portion 42 being engaged with the first linking portion 41. Accordingly, the orientation of the screen of the image display unit 3 can be adjusted.
A power supply line 37a that supplies power to the display element 4 is provided between the display element 37 and the battery 5. The image display unit 3 is connected by a cable that encloses the power supply line 37a and the signal line S3. A signal line S6 that transmits image signals that are input into the display element control circuit 27 to the display element 37 is also provided between the display element control circuit 27 and the display element 37.
In the endoscope system having the above described structure, the image display unit 3 is supported such that it can be opened and shut inside the outer side surface of the operating section 12 as a result of the second linking portion 42 being engaged with the first linking portion 41. If an operator finds it difficult to obtain an image of an object that is displayed on the image display unit 3 while operating the endoscope system, the operator can alter the orientation of the screen of the image display unit 3 using the fingers of the hand holding the operating section 12 so that the image of the object is easier to view. By employing this type of structure, it is possible to obtain an excellent view of an image of an object that is displayed on the image display unit 3 irrespective of the viewing angle of the display element 37. As a result, the operability of the endoscope system is improved.
At this time, because the first and second linking portions 41 and 42 form what is known as a ball joint, the image display unit 3 can be rotated in a variety of directions relative to the operating section 12 of the endoscope 1. Accordingly, the degree of freedom is increased when an operator wishes to adjust to the orientation of the screen of the image display unit 3. Furthermore, because the handhold portions 43 protrude from both side surfaces of the image display unit body 44, rating the image display unit 3 is simplified.
Moreover, because the recessed portion 40 is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the operating section 12, the image display unit 3 is housed inside the recessed portion 40 when it is shut inside the operating section 12. As a result, a reduction in the size of the endoscope system is achieved and the image display unit 3 can be stored with the image display unit 3 shut inside the operating section 12. Accordingly, not only is a reduction in the size of the endoscope system achieved, but the portability thereof is also improved.
Furthermore, because the central axis 42C of the image display unit 3 is provided at a position away from the central axis 42B of the second linking portion 42, it is possible to prevent the image display unit 3 being housed inside the recessed portion 40 while the display screen thereof is still facing towards the outside of the endoscope 1.
(Third Embodiment)
The third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference made to FIG. 13 through FIG. 19. Note that component elements that have previously been described in the above embodiments are given the same symbols and a description thereof is omitted.
In the endoscope system in the first embodiment, the image display unit 3 is supported by what is known as a ball joint. In contrast, in the endoscope system of the second embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 13, the image display unit 3 is supported by a rotation mechanism (i.e., a supporting portion) 54 that enables the image display unit 3 to be rotated around the endoscope 1.
The description continues in the full USPTO document.
About 6,944 words. The USPTO PDF has it with every drawing.
Fees are due 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 years after grant. This patent expired on November 12, 2025, so the fee marked "not paid" was the one that went unpaid.
Endoscope system
Filed Aug 2006 · published Aug 2007Endoscope system
Filed Aug 2006 · granted Sep 2011ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM
Filed Sep 2010 · published Jan 2011Endoscope system
Filed Sep 2010 · granted Nov 2013Earlier publications, parents and continuations. None of them can still be enforced, or this patent would not be listed.
Prior art cited by the examiner or applicant. Useful when you check your own idea for novelty.
Everything on this page comes from the documents linked above.
